Ellis Park standout Destino d’Oro dominated Sunday’s GIII Pucker Up Stakes, pulling away to win by 3 3/4 lengths as the even-money favorite.
The Brad Cox-trained filly tracked in second position before taking command in the stretch, demonstrating a new tactical dimension to her running style.
“She sat much closer to the pace this time and I think it really helped her,” said winning rider Luan Machado. “Down the backside, I could tell she was full of run, even sitting as close to the pace as she was. She’s been very impressive so far in her career and I think has a great future ahead of her.”
The daughter of Bolt d’Oro secured her first graded stakes victory while improving her career record to three wins from four starts. She collected $237,250 for the victory, pushing her lifetime earnings to $444,909.
Destino d’Oro settled behind pacesetter Drop the Hammer, who posted fractions of :23.19, :47.65, and 1:10.97. When the leader faltered at the top of the stretch, Destino d’Oro seized command and drew off impressively.
Hereforagoodtime (Justify) finished second, with Admit (Blame) a neck back in third to complete the trifecta.
The winner began her career with an impressive debut victory at Kentucky Downs last August, defeating a field that included subsequent graded stakes winner Will Then (War of Will). She followed with a close third in Keeneland’s GII Jessamine Stakes behind May Day Ready (Tapit) and Totally Justified (Justify).
After an extended layoff, Destino d’Oro returned to competition on June 19 at Churchill Downs, where she rallied from last to defeat older allowance company by a length.
Destino D'Oro was a powerful winner in the G3 Pucker Up at @ellisparkracing! 🏇
Back-to-back stakes wins for jockey @luanmachado85! @bradcoxracing trains.
🎥 #TwinSpiresRepay pic.twitter.com/EoqqLH8qtw
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires)
Destino D'Oro was a powerful winner in the G3 Pucker Up at August 3, 2025
Destino d’Oro was a $20,000 weanling purchase at the 2022 Keeneland November sale before selling for $25,000 as a yearling at the 2023 Keeneland September sale. Her value increased significantly when she commanded $185,000 at the 2024 OBS April two-year-old sale.
The filly races for Steve Landers Racing LLC and was bred in Kentucky by Hurstland Farm, Inc. & James H. Greene, Jr.
Destino d’Oro is the last registered offspring for her dam Heart of Destiny, a Grade I-placed runner who earned $242,089 during her racing career. Her extended female family includes GI Central Bank Ashland Stakes winner Rosalind (Broken Vow), who also placed in the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies.
The Pucker Up Stakes carried a purse of $399,400 and was contested at 1 1/8 miles on the Ellis Park turf course. The final time was 1:45.64 over firm ground.
